Signing Ceremony of Preparation Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomatic Relations

Former National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang (left) and Standing Committee Chairman Ro Jae-hun , sat together at a Preparatory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Korea and China on March 31. [Photo by JoongAng Ilbo China Institute]

The "Preparatory Committee for the 30th Anniversary of Korea-China Diplomacy," which aims to become a platform for private exchanges between Korea and China, was launched at the Seorim Building in Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 31st with a signboard ceremony attended by people political, academic, and artistic figures, including Former National Assembly Speaker, Moon Hee-sang. Former Chairman Moon, who chaired the Preparation Committee, said, "There is a saying that goes, ‘I like old friends and new clothes,’" adding, "Korea and China, a long-time confidant (知己) who will mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, should open the next 30 years through cultural exchanges and youth exchanges."

"Let's open 30 years in Korea and China through cultural and youth exchanges."

"Let's lead 'Korea-China Spring' through public diplomacy"

"If politics freeze, we have to melt it with culture"

People from all walks of life attended the signboard hanging ceremony of the Preparation Committee for the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations. From left, Yoo In-taek, President of the Seoul Arts Center; Qu Hwan, Chairman of the Korea-China Culture Friendship Association; Moon Hee-sang, Former National Assembly Speaker; Kim Joon-hyung, President of the National Diplomatic Institute; Choi Won-sik, Dean of Today's China; and Ro Jae-hun, President of the East Asia Culture Center. [Photo by JoongAng Ilbo]

In addition, National Assembly Speaker Park Byung-seok, Foreign Minister, Chung Eui-yong; Representative, Song Young-gil; and Chinese Ambassador to Korea, Xing Haiming, delivered a message to celebrate the signboard ceremony through video. At the opening seminar, which began with the opening speech of former Ambassador to China Kwon Young-se, Ro Jae-hun, Standing Chairman of the Preparatory Committee, said, "We will lead the spring between Korea and China through active public diplomacy." Kim Joon-hyung, head of the National Diplomatic Service, said, "Korea-China relations are commonly expressed as being close neighbors with a narrow river in between," adding, "At a delicate time when the U.S. and China are engaged in strategic competition, Korea and China should pioneer future relations with consideration for their competitors."

The Preparatory Committee for the 30th anniversary of Korea-China diplomatic relations held an opening seminar on the theme of "Spring of Korea and China," following a signboard hanging ceremony on the 31st. [Photo by JoongAng Ilbo China Institute]

Yoo In-taek, chairman of the Seoul Arts Center, also stressed the role of cultural exchanges in Korea-China relations, saying, "If politics freeze, it should be melted with culture." "We plan to carry out various cooperation projects between the two countries to mark the year of cultural exchange between Korea and China in 2021 and 2022," said Dankook University professor Kim Jin-ho, secretary-general of the Preparation Committee.

[Source: JoongAng Ilbo /  Sakong Kwan-suk, a researcher at the China Institute]